Free (Sequel to Through The Dark) Complete

Chapter 45

Julie stood back with Amanda and watched Harry with Kendall for about 15 minutes before she set her glass on the bar and stood up straight.  She took a deep breath and straightened her skirt.  Not because it needed it, but just to do something.  She had made up her mind.  She was about to commit to that decision.  She looked at the doorway and then at Amanda when Amanda spoke.

"You're not leaving!"  Amanda exclaimed maybe a little too loudly.  She lowered her voice when she noticed eyes on them.  "JJ.  Please."

Part of her wanted to run.  It sounded pretty good to her on some level.  But no, she wasn't going to.  "No, I'm not leaving."  Standing there watching Harry, watching Kendall, watching their interaction, she realized that he was exactly what she wanted, and exactly what she needed.  He was being extremely kind to Kendall.  And even if Julie didn't want to see it, it reminded her what kind of guy he was.  She could tell Harry was trying to politely get Kendall to allow him a little space.  He'd take a small step away every so often, but she would just continue to end up back glued to his side.  "Let's go say hi to your fiancé."

Amanda looked at JJ shocked.  Was she really going to walk up willingly to a group that included Kendall?  And what was she going to do?  Amanda could tell Niall was uncomfortable with Kendall and Harry's interactions.  But he wasn't about to leave them.  She had told him some of what JJ had told her, and told him how close JJ was to accepting Harry back into her life on a more permanent basis.  Amanda knew Niall was also looking for her by the way he was scanning the crowd.  "Alright, JJ, but remember to give me the signal if you want me to kick someone's ass, ok?"

Julie couldn't help but laugh.  "Ok, Panda.  But maybe just use your best judgement.  I'm trying to refrain from any ass kicking in the middle of the party though.  So, we'd have to lure her outside first.  And it just seems like a lot of work."

Amanda smiled.  She didn't expect JJ to be taking this so well, but she wasn't complaining.  She was hoping that JJ would stand up for herself eventually, but she didn't see it happening now, happening here. She had NO idea that Kendall would be at this party.  But maybe it was best JJ dealt with everything all at once.  "Well, if needed, I'm sure we can find a way."  She grabbed JJ's arm as they got closer.  She wanted to make sure that JJ knew she was there for her no matter how this went down.  She smiled at Niall when he spotted them.  She had to hide her laugh at the look on Niall's face as he looked from her, to JJ, to Harry, and then to Kendall and back.  She knew he was wondering what the heck was about to go down.  He had known JJ was supposed to come, but when JJ was so late Amanda was sure Niall had given up on the hope.

"Hey, Princess."  He said raising his eyebrows at her and then giving her a kiss.  "JJ."  He said stepping back from Amanda and hugging her tightly.  "So good to see ya."  He said stepping back and looking down at her.

Julie smiled.  "Hey, Niall.  Missed ya."  She took a deep breath and nodded at him to give him the reassurance that she was ok.  She watched Amanda link with Niall's arm and give her a reassuring nod and then she turned and looked at Harry.  The feeling she had when she saw him across the room, the feeling she had now standing in front of him, was never matched by any other feeling.  She smiled into his eyes and could tell he was caught off guard and extremely nervous about how this was going to go.  Before she could speak though, she heard Kendall.

"Oh, did you come to take our drink order?"  She said in an irritatingly overly friendly bordering on bubbly tone.  "I'll have a red wine.  Thank you so much."

Julie rolled her eyes.  And she fought the really overwhelming desire of punching her right in her turned-up nose.  Instead she plastered a smile on her face and used her words.  "Really?  That's the best you could come up with?  I mean, I have to admit, I'm more than slightly disappointed.  I'm not even sure that's worth a comeback.  And I have so many I'm ready and willing to use."  She stopped herself from going any further.  But she couldn't seem to help herself from saying one more thing.  "I'll gladly get you a fork though, if you'd like."  Kendall looked confused, but Harry about spit out his drink, and Niall and Amanda tried to stifle their laughs but were highly unsuccessful.